Contact Phone
763-486-8430
My undergraduate degree is in Political Science and Public Administration from California State University, Fresno, My graduate degree is from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. I spent 37 years as a Lutheran Pastor. I was the Senior Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka for 9 years. As a Sr. Pastor in large congregations, I have experience in managing budgets, supervising large staffs, and leading strategic and long range planning. I have also served in leadership in several non-profit and community service organizations over the years. Recently I served as President of Family Promise in Anoka County (which serves homeless families.) I believe my many years of serving have prepared me well for serving on the Anoka City Council.
1. Fiscal responsibility. The City has spent over $25 million in 10 years, purchasing property, depleting the reserves and borrowing from the Anoka Municipal Utility.
2. Adequately fund the maintenance of our parks, playgrounds and trails. Unfortunately this has often been deferred due to budget constraints.
3. Expand affordable housing for Senior Citizens and young families. The Council should consider utilizing some of the land it has purchased for affordable housing.
I plan to be an independent voice on the Council and will be accessible to everyone regardless of where you live or who you know. I would like to see the City Council hold Town Hall meetings for the public at least twice a year to seek input from ordinary citizens. I think this is a critical step before major changes or expenditures are made by the Council. I would like to see the City of Anoka take part in Minnesota's "Welcoming Community Initiative" which seeks to help everyone have a voice
I believe that property should not be purchased without public hearings and at least a tentative plan in place for how the property will be utilized or developed. I oppose borrowing funds from the Anoka Municipal Utility surplus for property purchases. Property should not be purchased at several times the assessed value. Accountability and transparency begins with a culture of fiscal responsibility.
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I bring a unique blend of skills with over two decades of experience in education, state government, and finance. My work demonstrates leadership, innovation, and success in implementing policies. I possess a deep understanding of government functions, and I believe that an elected official’s primary duty is to represent the people. My graduate work in policymaking equips me to address the challenges facing Anoka, from economic accountability to environmental stewardship. I am committed to citizen engagement, transparency, and safety, focusing on collaboration, listening, and inclusivity to ensure a thriving community. I believe that we all thrive when we support one another, collaborate effectively, and find common ground.
Stop purchasing city land that is not designated for a specific, citizen approved plan. In the last ten years over $20 million has been spent, much of it without approved plan or citizen input. Prioritize resources to adequately fund city infrastructure: roads, sidewalks, trails and parks need replacement and upkeep, including public safety and pubic works system that continue to work hard to serve our citizens and deliver the high quality service we appreciate. Support local business growth.
The City of Anoka website and social media has done an excellent job making their information available to citizens. I would like to see translation technology added to the website to be sure that all can get the information they need in a timely manner. I pledge to be accessible and available to all by listening and responding to all citizens. Even if we do not agree on an issue, I am open to hearing many points of view and voting as representative of the community, not my own personal beliefs.
I’m dedicated to ensuring that our communication and policies are transparent, understandable, and accessible to all residents. Recently a $2.3 million purchase occurred for a future - yet to be approved - golf course upgrade. Purchases like this need transparency, a plan, and citizen approval. Councilmembers are stewards of the city, and I will hold myself and others to this standard to be sure that all perspectives can be considered in policymaking and spending citizen tax dollars responsibly.
Experience. I have lived in the City of Anoka for over 60 years. I work for a small family business in Anoka with our offices located on Main Street in Anoka. I served on the HRA for over 10 years, and was one of the founding members of the Heritage Preservation Commission which protects Anoka's amazing history. I currently serve on the Anoka City Council and would like to continue serving the taxpayers. Anoka is extremely blessed with amazing neighborhoods, a great business park, a Historic Downtown, awesome parks, and two amazing rivers which allow its residents and visitors to be able to recreate in so many different ways. I have a simple saying...If the taxpayers are successful, so in the city!
1) The core basics of City government are roads, bridges, and sewer and water, public safety and parks. These basic needs, and infrastructure are always top of mind and should be always number one.
2) Finding additional revenue sources to keep our parks, trails and signage in tip top shape
3) Bringing new and exciting opportunities and event to Anoka is always top of mind. The Food Truck Festival, Social District, Riverfest, and Halloween are just a few of the events which bring folks into DTA
Being a City of Anoka Council Member is a 24/7 commitment. My phone is always on, or I can be reached by email of Facebook. I enjoy helping folks navigate through the challenges they may face in Anoka, or even how to get a question answered at City Hall. My job is focused on the residents, or businesses in the City of Anoka and their success. Like I said earlier. If the taxpayer is successful, so is the city.
Making sure meetings are properly posted is critical to good government transparency. Having all City Council meetings and work sessions should at least be recorded, if not broadcast on the local cable company. Having a local newspaper which also covers the City Council, and all the Boards and Commissions also keeps taxpayers informed of what is happening in their community.
